A recent study reveals a significant shift in Christmas food preferences among Gen Z and Millennials, with traditional dishes losing favour.
Aldi’s recent research, conducted among 2,000 adults celebrating Christmas, uncovers a notable trend: younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly opting for plant-based meals and globally inspired dishes over traditional Christmas foods.
According to the poll, 78% of those born in 1996 or later express a preference for more modern festive meals, steering away from classic options such as Christmas pudding and mince pies. The survey highlights that 54% of Millennials and Gen Z feel traditional dishes require a contemporary update to maintain their relevance.
Notably, 56% of respondents dismiss classics like Brussels sprouts as outdated. In their place, younger people are favouring modern alternatives like loaded fries, crispy fried chicken, and pizza for their Christmas dinners.
Dessert choices are also evolving, with younger individuals preferring cheesecake, chocolate gateau, and ice cream over more traditional sweet offerings. To adapt to these changing tastes, Aldi has launched a ‘Christmas Pudding Exchange Service.’ This initiative allows customers to swap any unwanted Christmas pudding at an in-store Community Donation Point, regardless of its original purchase location, for a £10 voucher redeemable against Aldi’s dessert range.
Aldi offers a variety of new desserts, including the Specially Selected Melting Bombes, Marbled Roulade, and Belgian Chocolate Ganache Pinecones, catering to these emerging preferences. Julie Ashfield, Aldi UK’s Managing Director of Buying, acknowledges this shift, stating, “At Aldi, we’re aware that tastes are evolving, so whether you want turkey and all the trimmings or loaded fries and pizza for Christmas, we have something for everyone.”
Despite these changing trends, it appears that some traditions persist. 61% of Gen Z respondents still anticipate their parents will serve traditional Christmas pudding.
This new consumer behaviour underscores the broader culinary evolution, reflecting more diverse and inclusive culinary preferences.
As Gen Z and Millennials reshape festive culinary traditions, supermarkets like Aldi are adapting to meet these evolving tastes. The shift towards modern and varied Christmas dishes marks a new era in festive food preferences.
